Find out what’s on in France Autumn 2025. The weather is cooler but there are still sunny days, longer nights, grape vines turning every shade of crimson and gold, twinkling lights at dusk. This is a great time of the year to visit France – and there’s plenty going on…
Autumn officially starts in France on September 22 and ends December 20 – with winter officially starting on December 21.
National events in Autumn 2025
November 1: La Toussaint – All Saint’s Day
A Public holiday to honour all saints and a day to remember the souls of the dead. It’s traditional to place pots of brightly coloured chrysanthemums on the graves of departed relatives.
November 11: Jour l’Armistice – Armistice Day (1918)
This national holiday celebrates the end of World War I in Europe, almost all towns and villages in France hold services of remembrance.
November: Beaujolais Nouveau – Festival of new wine
The new production of Beaujolais wine is released at the stroke of midnight on the third Thursday of November. Just a clever marketing ploy? Well yes, probably – but it’s an excuse for a celebration so, we’re in!
Major Anniversaries
200 Years since the birth of Charles Garnier
Born 6 November 1825, Charles Garnier was the renowned architect of several iconic buildings including the gaming rooms and concert hall of the Casino de Monte Carlo and Nice Observatory (1888). But his best-known design is the legendary Paris Opera House – known as Opera Garnier.
Main Events
Les Voiles de Saint Tropez
27 September – 5 October 2025: Around 250 boats participate in the nautical regatta, yacht races, live music, parades, fancy dress and a carnival atmosphere.
Dinard Film Festival, Brittany
1-5 October 2025: The British and Irish Film Festival, showcasing independent, auteur and short films, will be chaired by Rupert Everett. It all takes place in the lovely seaside town of Dinard.
Amiens Flea market, Picardy
4 October 2025: Held on the first Saturday of October, Amiens Rederie is one of the largest flea markets in France with more than 2000 exhibitors (both private and professional) covering a whopping 15km of pavements in 15 streets!
Fête des vendanges de Montmartre, Paris
9-15 October 2025: An annual celebration to commemorate the harvesting of grapes from the Clos Montmartre, a secret vineyard on the slopes of the Montmartre hills in Paris’s 18th arrondissement, with 5 days of gastronomy, wine tasting, and grape picking.
Cartier Foundation to open a new art museum in Paris
The Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a new exhibition space at the magnificent Louvre des Antiquaires on Place du Palais-Royal in Paris. Due to open to the public on 25 October 2025, the building’s interiors have been renovated by renowned architect Jean Nouvel.
Salon du Chocolat, Paris
29 October to 2 November 2025: Held at the Porte de Versailles, a sweet festival featuring chocolate and bonbons galore. Meet the finest confectioners and pastry chefs from around the world, enjoy demonstrations, workshops and tastings and a world-famous chocolate dress fashion show!
International & Gastronomic Fair of Dijon, Burgundy
1-11 November 2025: Wine tasting, cookery demonstrations, and around 400 exhibitors from the region and around the world offer a huge selection of products from food and drink to artisan crafts and fashion, beauty products, furniture, homeware and more. Expect music, dancing, performances, workshops and a whole lot more at this feel good, and very popular event.
World’s Ugliest Jumper contest, Albi
25 November 2025: Yes, the French invented haute-couture and are generally considered to be rather chic. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t have a sense of humour, and in the city of Albi, in southern France, each year they hold a very unusual competition for the ugliest pull mouche – jumper! More than 100 entries a year are recorded in 4 categories before a demanding jury who decide which of the jumpers deserves the title!
Fête des Dindes, Licques, Pas de Calais
6-7 December 2025: An unusual festival in which turkeys are celebrated as a herd of the gobbling birds are released to “rampage” through the streets accompanied by local brotherhoods and dignitaries in all their finery! There’s also a gastronomic fair with wine tasting and food for all your Christmas luxuries. paysdopale-tourisme.fr
Epernay Les Habits de Lumière, Champagne
12-14 December 2025: The famous Champagne city of Épernay, celebrates the gastronomic heritage of the region with a vibrant fete. For three days, the city is lit up and there are lots of activities on offer, including a firework display and a big street parade on Avenue de Champagne, pop up Champagne bars galore, exhibitions, musical entertainment, cellar tours and a whole host of shows for children and adults. On the Sunday morning there is a parade of several hundred collector’s cars. habitsdelumiere.epernay.fr
Coming up
Christmas is coming! From the last week in November to the first week in January, Christmas lights will be switched on in Paris (weeks may vary) and festive markets take place throughout France – find more info on our website: Guide to Christmas in France
The Good Life France Winter magazine is out in November 2025 – don’t miss it and subscribe for free here
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